Prints Charming

ABSTRACT

Prints Charming is comprised of a novelty charm and device for attaching the novelty charm to a picture frame, glass overlay to the picture frame or picture itself. Application of the charm to the frame or like will vary depending on the type of attaching device. The sticky-backed magnet or conventional magnet allows the charm to be placed anywhere on the frame that is metal. The suction cups allow the charm to adhere to the glass portion of the frame, as well as to any frame surface that is appropriately wide and flat. The plastic hanger allows the user to customize the attaching device to permit the charm to be attached to almost any frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,368 entitled “Prints Charming”filed Jan. 24, 2005.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to novelty charms. Theinvention discussed herein is in the general classification of framingaccessories.

BACKGROUND

Almost every homeowner displays family photographs. These photographsare sometimes hung on walls in standard frames or in collage styleframes that allow display of numerous family snapshots, photographs, andportraits. Photographs may also be displayed in frames that are placedon bookshelves, end tables, sofa tables, entertainment centers andwindow ledges.

People choose frames for their photographs based on a variety ofdifferent criteria. Some people insure that all of their pictures are inframes made of the same material or finished in the same paint or staincolor to maintain a uniform appearance. Others choose frames because oftheir whimsical or unique appearance or to personalize the photos theycontain. For example, a person may choose a frame engraved with aspecial poem celebrating the birth of a child or a frame decorated withhearts for a wedding picture. Many frames come engraved with words andphrases like “My Mom” or “Our Family.” Obviously, locating a frame withthe exact words or design for a picture or photograph can be a difficultand time-consuming process. Often, the selection of frames is limited,and an individual cannot locate a frame that precisely matches thepicture being framed.

Hence, there is a need in the art for an inexpensive and easy way topersonalize picture frames or the like by attaching decals or charms tothe frame or glass overlay or picture itself.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Prints Charming consists of various novelty charms and an attachingdevice for use with a picture frame. It works by utilizing one ofseveral attaching devices to adhere the charms to the picture frame,glass overlay of the frame, or picture itself.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a charm andcharm-attaching device to easily allow a user to customize pictureframes.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive charm andcharm-attaching device to allow a user to personalize a picture frame.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an assortment ofcharms for use with picture frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the attachingdevice for the charm.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the attachingdevice for the charm.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a charm.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of the attaching device connected to aframe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Prints Charming is comprised of at least some of the following: a charmand a device for attaching the charm to a picture frame, glass overlayto the picture frame or picture itself.

In the preferred embodiment of the attaching device, shown in FIG. 1, aplastic hanger 1 consists of a long, thin, rectangular section 2 withscores 3 at even intervals along the rectangular section 2. Therectangular section 2 also has holes 4 at even intervals along itslength. At one end of the rectangular section 2, a magnet 5 is attached.A charm (not shown) can be attached to the magnet 5.

The charms are made of metal, such as sterling silver, copper, stainlesssteel, and gold and can be enhanced by decorative beads, crystals, andthe like.

In FIG. 2, another embodiment of the attaching device for the charm isshown. In this embodiment, a suction cup 20 with a mount 21 on the frontcan connect to the back of a charm.

Another embodiment of the attaching device may consist of asticky-backed magnet (not shown) or conventional magnet (not shown)attached to the charm.

In FIG. 3, one embodiment of the charm is depicted. In this embodiment,a sailboat design 30 is shown. This charm is made of metal and has anaperture (not shown) on the back that is designed to correspond with themount of the suction cup.

In FIG. 4, another embodiment of the charm is shown. In this embodiment,a dragonfly design 40 is depicted. This charm is made of metal and hasan aperture (not shown) on the back that is designed to correspond withthe mount of the suction cup.

In FIG. 5, yet another embodiment of the charm is shown. In thisembodiment, a crown design 50 is depicted. Again, this charm is made ofmetal and has an aperture (not shown) on the back that is designed tocorrespond with the mount of the suction cup.

The novelty charms come in a variety of different designs and styles.For example, but not by way of limitation, possible charm stylesinclude: astrological signs, sports team logos, seasonal or holidaycharms, licensed characters, floral designs and religious symbols. Thedimensions of the charms will also vary widely.

Application of the charm to the frame will vary depending on the type ofattaching device. The sticky-backed magnet or conventional magnet allowsthe charm to be placed anywhere on the frame that is metal. The suctioncups allow the charm to adhere to the glass portion of the frame, aswell as to any frame surface that is appropriately wide and flat. Thesuction cup can even be attached directly to the picture itself.

The plastic hanger 1 allows the charm to be attached to almost any frameas shown in FIG. 6. A user can break off sections of the plastic hanger1 at the desired length. The plastic hanger 1 can then be softened inboiling water, after which it is molded around the edge of the frame 61.The hanger 1 will be removed from the frame 61 and the charm is attachedto the end of the hanger 1 on the magnet 5. The hanger 1 is thenreattached to the frame 61 and a small screw 60 can be attached to theback of the frame 61 for additional support if desired.

The novelty charms are packaged in jewelry boxes. Larger charms willobviously be packaged in larger jewelry boxes. The jewelry boxes maycontain a single charm or an assortment of charms.

The components of Prints Charming may vary widely but will likelyutilize metal and plastic components. The production process related tothe use of these metals insures that the metal is non-corrosive, durableand strong. The selected metal should be capable of accepting andretaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.

The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected fordurability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in themanufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention.Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materialswould be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this familyare recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.

The plastic components of Prints Charming can also be formed with theuse of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blowmolding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefullyinjected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, ittakes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for themass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form ofextrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube beingpushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube againstthe cold walls of the mold.

It should be obvious that the charms or decals can be attached directlyto the frame, picture, or the glass overlay of the frame. Consequently,when the phrase “picture frame” is used it describes not only thepicture frame itself, but also the picture or glass overlay to thepicture frame. It should also be obvious that though the term “glass” isused, any type of overlay could be accessorized with the charms of thepresent invention. It should further be obvious that although thepresent invention is ordinarily used with picture frames, it could beused to customize or personalize any appropriate style item. Hence, thephrase “picture frame” should be construed to include any item that hassimilar dimensions.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes ormodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It shouldtherefore be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include allchanges and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

1. A picture frame accessorizing set comprising: (a) a charm; and (b) adevice for attaching the charm to a picture frame.
 2. The picture frameaccessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the device for attaching the charmto the picture frame is a hanger.
 3. The picture frame accessorizing setof claim 2 wherein the hanger is plastic and has a set of scores at evenintervals.
 4. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 3 wherein theplastic hanger has a set of holes at even intervals.
 5. The pictureframe accessorizing set of claim 2 wherein the hanger has a magnetattached to one end.
 6. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 4further comprising a screw dimensioned to correspond with the set ofholes and permit attachment to the picture frame.
 7. The picture frameaccessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the charms are made of metal. 8.The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal issterling silver.
 9. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 7wherein the metal is copper.
 10. The picture frame accessorizing set ofclaim 7 wherein the metal is stainless steel.
 11. The picture frameaccessorizing set of claim 7 wherein the metal is gold.
 12. The pictureframe accessorizing set of claim 1 further comprising a set of beadsdecorating the charm.
 13. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1further comprising a set of crystals decorating the charm.
 14. Thepicture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the device forattaching the charm to the picture frame is a suction cup with a mounton the front that corresponds with an aperture on the back of the charm.15. The picture frame accessorizing set of claim 1 wherein the devicefor attaching the charm to the picture frame is a magnet.
 16. A noveltycharm set comprising: (a) a charm; (b) a device for attaching the charmto a picture frame; and (c) a jewelry box for holding the charm.
 17. Apicture frame accessorizing set comprising: (a) a sterling silver metalcharm; (b) a plastic hanger for attaching the sterling silver metalcharm to a picture frame wherein the plastic hanger has a set of scoresand a set of holes along its length and a magnet attached to one end.